Seeking God in Times of Trouble

May 12

Sometimes life circumstances force us to our knees. Yet, we have a God who is always by us with his arms wide open, already working on our behalf.

My son went through a difficult season when he was a teenager. I wanted to save him. If I could, I would have taken on his pain, but that was not an option. For years, I tried everything I could think of to relieve his struggle. Again and again, I failed. The problem was bigger than my ability or resolve. It was beyond my control. I hated that.

One night I woke up at 2 a.m. desperate for a solution. All of my previous coping strategies failed. I could not sleep. I could not calm my soul. I almost ran out of my house in my pajamas to go who knows where. Anywhere was better than the despair in my home. But, before I got to the front door I fell on my knees, my forehead pressed against the cold vinyl floor, a pool of tears quickly emerging. I cried out to God, "Save him. Save me!" After a long and messy sob, I raised my head and I saw it.

The street light was shining through our glass front door. From behind my back, the light made a reflection on our kitchen cabinet in the shape of a cross. I never noticed it before. My faith in Jesus was so weak, until that moment when I had nowhere to go but to seek Him. As I stared at the cross, I sensed God telling me that He loved my son more than I could ever imagine. I sensed him inviting me to surrender my son to Him. I did, and peace entered my heart. My son's situation continued for seven grueling years, but God's peace carried me through. He is well now, but not because of anything I did.

Life has a way of bringing us many hardships. Not all of them end well. Leaning on Jesus is the only way to protect our hearts, mind, and soul. Jesus is with us in our darkest hour. The Spirit's presence is even sweeter when our heart is empty of our worthless idols. Idols of performance, intelligence, people-pleasing, success, self-sufficiency, and independence are and continue to be powerless. They constantly threaten to sneak into our hearts. It takes intentionality and faith rhythms to keep them out.

Spiritual practices include confession, prayer, Bible study, an accountability partner or group, physical health, rest, corporate and private worship. What would you add to this list? Which is your strongest practice? Which is your weakest?

"I called to the Lord in my distress, and he answered me. I cried out for help from deep inside Sheol; you heard my voice." Jonah 2:1

Check out this episode where Rebekah Lyons shares about journey and struggle with anxiety.